Season-ending defeat a blow for Hawke's Bay United veteran

Bill Robertson made his 100th appearance for Hawke's Bay United in their 2-0 defeat to Waitakere United. Photo / Paul Taylor

Long-serving Hawke's Bay United defender Bill Robertson's 100th appearance for the club was one to forget as the side's hopes of a playoff spot officially came to an end.

United suffered a 2-0 defeat to Waitakere United at Sir Keith Park Memorial Airfield in Auckland on Sunday.

HBU co-coach Robertson, who made his debut for the club in 2009, said while proud to represent his "adopted home" for the 100th time, the result soured the day.

"I've been with Hawke's Bay for a long time and my life is here now," he said.

"I am always proud to represent the region and pleased individually to get to 100 games, but I'm disappointed with this result."

The English-born 36-year-old said the game plan was hindered due to the conditions of the artificial pitch and lack of quality in front of goal.

"We knew it was going to be an arm wrestle – both sides had chances, but unfortunately they've taken theirs and we didn't," he said.

"We came with a plan, but it's difficult to play on this surface. We're disappointed with the result, but proud of the players' effort."

Bill Robertson (left) and Fergus Neil, of Napier City Rovers, bring home the Chatham Cup in 2019. Photo / Warren Buckland

The match lacked quality in the first half, with both sides failing to take control of the game.

Waitakere's Leon van den Hoven scored the opening goal of the match in the 73rd minute, beating Scott Morris with a speculative effort from distance.

Alex Greive doubled the hosts' lead shortly after from the penalty spot.

Waitakere Untied captain Sam Burfoot said his side, which is still in with a shout of a playoff spot, had to work hard for the three points.

"Defensively Hawke's Bay are really good – anyone that plays them finds it hard to break them down," he said.

"We knew we still had a good 45 minutes in us left and knew we'd get chances – we backed ourselves to finish them and we did.

"We had chances cleared off the line, hit the post a couple of times, but we knew if we kept a cool head and didn't get frustrated, we'd have more chances," he added.

Robertson hopes the final match of the season can see his side rise to as high as fifth in the ISPS Handa Men's Premiership table.

"This brings a close to our season, but we've got a home game next week on Sky Sport again," he said.

"We'll go in to try to win that and finish on a good note for Hawke's Bay."

Hawke's Bay United will face Eastern Suburbs Bluewater Stadium in Napier at 4pm on February 26 in their final fixture of the season.